![]() This work would increase the potential energy of the charge and thus increase its electric potential. In that discussion, it was explained that work must be done on a positive test charge to move it through the cells from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. In the previous part of Lesson 1, the concept of electric potential was applied to a simple battery-powered electric circuit. Because electric potential difference is expressed in units of volts, it is sometimes referred to as the voltage.Įlectric Potential Difference and Simple CircuitsĮlectric circuits, as we shall see, are all about the movement of charge between varying locations and the corresponding loss and gain of energy that accompanies this movement. And finally, if the electric potential difference between two locations is 12 volts, then one coulomb of charge will gain 12 joules of potential energy when moved between those two locations. If the electric potential difference between two locations is 3 volts, then one coulomb of charge will gain 3 joules of potential energy when moved between those two locations. If the electric potential difference between two locations is 1 volt, then one Coulomb of charge will gain 1 joule of potential energy when moved between those two locations. One Volt is equivalent to one Joule per Coulomb. The standard metric unit on electric potential difference is the volt, abbreviated V and named in honor of Alessandro Volta. In equation form, the electric potential difference is By definition, the electric potential difference is the difference in electric potential (V) between the final and the initial location when work is done upon a charge to change its potential energy. This difference in electric potential is represented by the symbol ΔV and is formally referred to as the electric potential difference. As a result of this change in potential energy, there is also a difference in electric potential between locations A and B. The work done on the charge changes its potential energy to a higher value and the amount of work that is done is equal to the change in the potential energy. In moving the charge against the electric field from location A to location B, work will have to be done on the charge by an external force. This part of Lesson 1 will be devoted to an understanding of electric potential difference and its application to the movement of charge in electric circuits.Ĭonsider the task of moving a positive test charge within a uniform electric field from location A to location B as shown in the diagram at the right. As we begin to apply our concepts of potential energy and electric potential to circuits, we will begin to refer to the difference in electric potential between two points. And similarly, if a Coulomb of charge (or any given amount of charge) possesses a relatively small quantity of potential energy at a given location, then that location is said to be a location of low electric potential. When a Coulomb of charge (or any given amount of charge) possesses a relatively large quantity of potential energy at a given location, then that location is said to be a location of high electric potential. Electric potential is a location-dependent quantity that expresses the amount of potential energy per unit of charge at a specified location. Saving Earth Britannica Presents Earth’s To-Do List for the 21st Century.In the previous section of Lesson 1, the concept of electric potential was introduced.Britannica Beyond We’ve created a new place where questions are at the center of learning.100 Women Britannica celebrates the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, highlighting suffragists and history-making politicians.COVID-19 Portal While this global health crisis continues to evolve, it can be useful to look to past pandemics to better understand how to respond today.Student Portal Britannica is the ultimate student resource for key school subjects like history, government, literature, and more.From tech to household and wellness products. Britannica Explains In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions.This Time in History In these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history.#WTFact Videos In #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find.Demystified Videos In Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions.Britannica Classics Check out these retro videos from Encyclopedia Britannica’s archives.
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